The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick explores the challenges and complexities of mixed marriages, highlighting poignant stories from callers who share their personal experiences. From feelings of loneliness and longing for spiritual unity to inspiring conversions into Catholicism, Patrick examines the profound impacts of sharing or not sharing faith within a marriage. By listening to heartfelt advice and powerful lessons from those who have lived through these situations, Patrick shows the role faith has in fostering strong, united families.   Veronica (email) - So lonely. Being married to a non-Catholic. If only someone had told me (00:42) Karen (email) - My husband was Catholic but never went to mass. I found out the hard way, if the father doesn’t go to mass, more than likely neither will the children. (01:54) Jared - I converted to Catholicism for my marriage (08:18) Mike – Mixed marriages are very difficult, and it’s gets lonely (13:55) Ally - Being married to someone of another faith was very lonely and now my kids don't follow the faith. (19:24) Allyn (email) – Sometimes your show makes me sad. I can’t go back and change what I’ve done, but I’m not sure I can listen anymore. (23:46) Mike (email) - It seems you are foreclosing on a chance to save the soul of the non-practicing spouse. (27:24) Eileen – I married an agnostic. I feel like I became more Catholic having a spouse of another faith because of prayer. (31:18) Rita - My understanding of Serbian Orthodox is that there was a split, but they were still in Sacramental communion with the Catholic Church. Why is something wrong with those Churches? (35:57) Linda - Picking the right person in the same faith is really important to the success of that relationship and overall happiness. God should be in the marriage (40:49) Deanne – The Salt and Light Book that helped me. It’s about a Saint who converted her husband after death through her diary. (43:59) Dave - I was a Jehovah's Witnesses, and I converted. I will be married in a couple months! (46:10)

Patrick explores the traditions and disciplines of Ash Wednesday, and he highlights the significance of the day and its connection to ancient practices rooted in the time of the apostles. With engaging insights and relatable anecdotes, Patrick discusses the biblical basis for fasting, drawing parallels between Jesus' 40 days in the desert and his listeners' own Lenten journeys. He highlights the importance of mastering bodily appetites and embracing the spirit of mortification through abstinence. Patrick also addresses various inquiries from listeners, including questions about Communion, fasting while sick, and the tradition of giving something up for Lent.   Today is Ash Wednesday. Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. (00:33) What does Fasting mean for Catholics? (04:46) Thomas - I can't go to confession on a regular basis. Can I make an act of contrition and take communion if I resolve to go to confession when I can? (06:02) Sebastian (email) – Is it okay to have protein powder during days of abstinence? (19:37) Michael - Does someone who is sick still need fast today? (30:28) Richard - I stopped going to Communion because I got married to someone else after divorcing a woman. How can I get back to communion? (34:39) Mark (email) – Can I add things, instead of abstaining from something, during Lent? (46:26)

Beginning with enlightening listeners about the traditions and flexibility related to fasting on Ash Wednesday, Patrick addresses common misconceptions and encourages personal devotion. The conversation shifts towards a debate surrounding the relaxing of Lenten disciplines on Sundays, offering clarity and dispelling misunderstandings tied to the observance of Lent. Patrick then discusses social media commentary from a religious individual who expresses divisive views on Catholicism and nationalism, offering a measured response and providing understanding on misconceptions about Catholic traditions. Additionally, the episode explores a recent initiative by evangelical Protestants to create a counter-strategy in response to a rise in conversions to Catholicism, where Patrick shares his thoughts on the effectiveness of Catholic apologetics and emphasizes the natural draw of Protestant seekers to the rich theological depth within the Catholic Church.   Don - What does fasting entail for today? Do I need to go the whole day without food? (01:13) Melody - Can you relax your penances on Sundays in Lent? (02:29) Patrick responds to a viral X post that states: “America is a Protestant nation… If you don’t like this, leave our country.” (07:08) Evangelicals call for strategy to counter rising Protestant conversions to Catholicism (20:48) Ben - Should I remove the ashes I received this morning if I go to another Mass on later today? (36:47) Felipe - Where do we get the ashes for Ash Wednesday? Why do we have the dating system that we have? (38:49) Mary – Is it okay for a lay person to administer the Ashes? (47:00)

Patrick addresses a range of topics and heartfelt stories from callers around the country. The episode kicks off with Stuart from Bakersfield sharing his transformative journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, encouraged by influential Catholic literature and figures like Patrick Madrid himself. Later, a perplexed godfather, David, seeks Patrick's advice about his godson's planned wedding in a non-Catholic church. This conversation leads to a discussion about the significance of maintaining Catholic traditions and understanding invalid marriage. Amid these spiritually enriching stories, Patrick also answers listeners' questions about the meaning of Ash Wednesday, the differences between sacraments and sacramentals, and resources for teaching young children about Lent.   Stuart - Thank you Patrick for helping me come into the Catholic Church! (00:36) David - My godson is getting married in an Episcopal Church by a Presbyterian minister. How can I convince him to get his marriage blessed by a priest? (08:52) Leeann – The Scott Hahn video converted me and I read Surprised By Truth. I'm Catholic now! (20:38) Patrick answers a bunch of emails questions, including Bridget’s question: Can I throw away last years’ palms? (25:03) Marissa (email) – How should I explain to my 9-year-old about how babies are born? (36:21) Michael – Shroud of Turin Jessica - What book or website would be good for my 5-year-old about Lent? (42:01) Will - What do you know about the two prophets in Canada?

Patrick engages with a variety of fascinating topics, starting with his responses to listener emails, where he discusses the implications of Christian nationalism and the allure of communism, particularly among young students. Patrick addresses the false promises of communism and shines a light on the pervasive influence of media messaging, with a focus on historical context and current social media trends. The episode also features discussions on ideologies, media manipulation, and dynamics within the Church.   Mary (Email) - Do you think The Communist Manifesto is appropriate for a 13-year-old to read? (00:40) Audio: KGB defector Yuri Bezmenov's warning to America (1984) (11:16) Audio: This is Dangerous to our Democracy (17:29) Audio: Brought to you by Pfizer (24:01) Greg - What is a good book about Confession? I bring Communion to nursing homes and one of the residents is a fallen away Catholic. (27:42) Carmen - I worked for mainstream media and left it about 4 months ago. It is funny because everything is scripted by the producer. We HAVE to follow the script. (36:32) Margaret – I disagree with you. I think the priest should have given her communion. Why does Biden get communion if women in nursing homes don’t get to receive Jesus? (42:59) Kim - If you have been annulled in the Catholic Church 4 times, can you be a Eucharistic minister? (49:02)

Patrick shares the heartfelt journeys and challenges faced by callers who are seeking guidance and wisdom from the Catholic faith. Listen as Patrick addresses Hannah's family's decision to join a more traditional parish and their quest to find a godparent for their son. Meanwhile, David explores the responsibilities that come with being a godfather to a catechumen in a challenging situation. This episode also covers various inquiries about spiritual struggles, vocations, and the impact of curses.   Hanna - Should we continue with OCIA where we are at? We don't want our child to be assigned a godparent from that Church. (00:35) David - Can I be the godfather for a Catechumen who is living with his girlfriend? (08:57) Michelle - My daughter can't eat meat so what should she give up on Fridays in Lent? She has depression and gets depressed during lent. How can she look at it with more joy than sorrow? (17:40) Kip - I think that the person who is inviting people to Mass to take communion should tell them what will happen and why it will happen. (27:24) Mary (email) - I am a widow and am dating a widower. He has invited me to travel with him. All accommodations would be separate. Would we be committing a sin of scandal to travel together? (32:22) John - I was recently asked to be a lector for Mass in the morning. If I am not in the state of Grace, can I still be a lector? (38:27)

Patrick addresses various emails and callers' questions, exploring nuanced topics such as the complexities of ADHD medication in schools, the morality and ethics regarding cosmetic surgeries, and the challenges surrounding marriage and family life. Among the various topics, this hour covers issues of parental responsibilities, the emotional aftermath of divorce, and the impact of societal norms on individual faith journeys.   Joe (email) - Why you don't give equal time to parents whose children were HELPED by ADHD meds? (00:47) Jose - Is it okay to do cosmetic surgeries? Is it okay to marry someone who is unable to have children? (03:51) Audio: Gene Hackman still gets choked up 65 years after his dad left the family (18:39) Ann – I was baptized Catholic but walked away from the faith and had a revenge pregnancy. Can I go to confession? (25:55) Hal - I work in law enforcement and transgenderism has impacted my work and the environment (35:48) Carol – How can you deal with people who say, 'you're not a real Christian'? (43:41) Tom - Can the devil get to you in purgatory or torment you there? (49:52)

Patrick tackles pressing issues impacting our world. From the rising costs in healthcare and the challenges of understanding insurance to the complex dynamics of immigration in Sweden and societal shifts in Europe—Patrick covers it all. Plus, he shares inspiring stories of religious growth among college students and discusses how grassroots change is making waves. Stay informed and inspired through these compelling conversations.   Audio: Gov. Ron DeSantis on ending property taxes statewide (01:48) Audio: Having health insurance makes an ambulance bill twice as expensive (06:13) Elizabeth - Pediatricians require that 14 years old children keep their medical information confidential from parents. (15:38) Andrew - I think the answer for the insurance being more expensive is that hospitals need to charge more for people who are insured. (21:26) Faith - I don't have insurance because I am not able to afford it with my retail job. (29:33) Audio: Ayaan Hirshi Ali says, "Sweden had this wonderful experiment of becoming a moral superpower" (35:02) Audio: Jordan Peterson - "I don't know if you guys in the UK understand how sad it is for us in Canada and the US to watch what you're doing to yourself" (45:32) Richard - In Indiana, we had a Republican who had a bill to stop the death penalty.  (47:34)

Patrick explores insightful questions from callers about preparing for Lent, the sanctity of marriage in the Catholic Church, and discovering joy during life's challenges. Patrick addresses how to reconnect with faith after being away and examines the spiritual significance of choosing between a priest or deacon to officiate a wedding. He warmly approaches the complexities of faith, community, and personal growth with hope and encouragement. Patrick guides listeners on a journey filled with understanding and inspiration.   Hugo (email) - What can I do to get myself in the headspace of penance, fasting, and almsgiving and not feel the sorrows of preparing to enter our Lord’s suffering? (00:27) Sam - How can I come back into the Catholic Church after being away for many years? The Church Fathers helped me to come back. (04:27) Jimmy - I was at a couples retreat and they asked us if we wanted a priest or a deacon to marry us? What is the difference between a priest doing the ceremony and a deacon doing the ceremony? (13:07) Sex Change Surgery Linked To Higher Risk Of Suicidal Ideation And Depression (22:03) Lawrence - I am conflicted about giving to my bishop’s annual appeal because of the immigration services in it. I think there is already enough aid to them. How else can I support my diocese? (25:27) Helen - If two Catholics get married outside the Catholic Church are they excommunicated? (28:21) Nina - Why do you have to say or 'Pray for us' in the litany with all of Mary's titles? Can you pray the Rosary without saying a litany? (30:48) Patrick shares an article about thieves in the UK stealing the 10 Commandments. (36:27) Wayne (email) – My reason for not attending mass regularly is that I don’t share the same political views as the priest. (42:35) Cyrus shares a Twitter post from a Protestant about centering our Christian views on preparing for the Christ instead of the Antichrist. (44:42)

Patrick explores the challenges of facing opposing ideologies about transgenderism. Patrick discusses military policies on transgender service and hears from Anne in Phoenix, who courageously shares her personal story. He wraps up by addressing historical church doctrines and a thought-provoking call about Christian nationalism.   Audio - Michael Knowles on trans insanity (00:38) Audio - You can’t change your sex (05:55) Audio - U.S. Army Bans Transgenders from service (09:22) Ann - My daughter's last wish is to be cremated and wants her ashes to be dropped in the ocean. Is it a sin to follow her wishes even if I know it is? (15:38) Rhonda - Can I receive a dispensation for a wedding outside of the Church? AND can we go to the reception? (23:03) Kathy - My grandfather married his dead wife's sister. Can you help me explain if that was wrong and if you can get married in the church under that circumstance? (29:36) Rob - I disagree with you about the Founding Fathers agreeing on Christianity. (33:52) Bridget (email) – Patrick, I am surprised and saddened that you haven't talked about the Trump/Vance/Zelensky thing. (43:45) Rydan - Why was Christ crucified and if he was killed differently what would our symbol of redemption be? (45:01)